We don’t know what we don’t know – a lot will be different moving forward.
Business Fatigue
The fatigue that business leaders are feeling is genuine. Dealing with the multitude of changes implemented over the last six months through the COVID-19 crisis, from moving to remote operations to staffing, and challenging financial decisions has taken a toll. As we await the COVID-19 vaccine, life is very different from the same time last year, and summer did not permit any real relief from the fatigue. Priority emphasis continues to be placed on the health and safety of staff and customers. We have moved from survival to strategic mode at rapid speed and now need to be focusing on how we can continue to rebuild and reenergize. Workplaces have transformed from bustling environments to remote work and contactless service. As workplaces reopened, the business was not as we knew it ‘normally’ to be.
The leadership challenges and opportunities that have presented themselves have resulted in a new way of leadership thinking. Leaders are more confident in the speed at which change can be made and optimistic in knowing that more can be done in innovative ways. The COVID-19 crisis has shaken up how we lead, improved our ability to make fast structural shifts, and highlighted the importance of the communication of purpose and empathetic leadership skills. As we rebuild, we need to focus on actions that are of high impact to the business and bottom-line profitability. Processes followed are being re-written to be done better in a shorter time frame and are critical for talent management and agile teams.
Workplace Configuration – Reimagining the Way We Work
Workplace reconfiguration after lockdown resulted in a multitude of changes moving forward, including:
- Designated distanced seating
- Elevator limits
- Hand sanitizer stations
- Hot seat changeovers
- Flex-Teams
- Job sharing
- Permanent and hybrid remote work policies
- Physical space deep cleaning protocols
- Plexiglass divider installation
- Rotational teams
- Safety PPE (when necessary depending on occupation)
- Signage to help maintain safety and social distancing
- Social distancing protocols
- The wearing of masks in common areas
- Touchless digital technology…and the list goes on.
As our workforce has encountered many stressors, how we work and where we do it from has been re-envisioned. We now need to invest in our people to ensure that they have the capabilities required and provide support in this changing environment.
Futurist Leaders
Leaders have done an exceptional job of bringing a sense of order into the uncertainty of working and living due to COVID. However, the work is far from over. Leaders have demonstrated their aptitude to be futurists – innovate and redesign as necessary due to COVID restrictions.
Leaders have had to:
- Adapt boldly
- Communicate contact-free
- Demonstrate resilience
- Exemplify an entrepreneurial mindset
- Focus on the bottom line
- Fully utilize tools and strategies
- Innovate and pivot
- Possess a positive mindset
- Problem Solve quickly
- Scenario plan, and all the way
- Show transparency to their teams.
Embracing Differing Work Conditions
As we continue to embrace our different working conditions, and many of our staff remain virtual, we need to retain focus and continue to strengthen our people’s relationships moving forward. Effective leaders have the aptitude to change styles depending on the situation. Leadership style flexing is whereby a leader moves from a focus on relationship, task, or effectiveness depending on the situation. Being a good people person, good at execution, or effective in your role are all critical; however, depending on the situation, one aspect may require typically more of your focus. Strategic decision making, discipline in the execution of goals while being decisive, fast and flexible are all key in moving an organization forward. We are six months into our evolving new normal in North America. Since COVID hit our shores, we have gone through a lot and also learned a great deal. Although so many are fatigued, leaders need to retain focus on improving capabilities, fostering influence, maintaining positive relationships, and demonstrating the courage to innovate change.
Contact Us
Leadership development and coaching can help you strengthen resilience, preparedness, and provide support for your leadership team to feel more confident—time to invest in your leadership development and support your people management. Contact askme@jennyreilly.com for more information on how we can support your leadership team through this transition and how we can get moving forward.
